Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — pumpkin spice is back, football is kicking off, and with the mornings getting chillier by the day, fall is coming up quick.
Which leads me to a question for you…
With that out of the way, let’s jump into today’s email.
~LeQwane L.
GR FACTS: Tunnels Beneath Downtown
Courtesy of WZZM 13
Did you know there's a network of tunnels that runs beneath Calder Plaza?
Built in the 1960s, walkable tunnels once connected the federal building, county offices, and parking ramps, making it easy to move between downtown buildings without stepping outside.
After 9/11, most of the tunnels were sealed for security reasons. But there are a few still around. There's one under Ottawa Avenue that links the Calder Plaza garage to 300 Ottawa, where you'll find a hallway that even has a few stores.
There are tons of hidden gems around town. And I look forward to sharing the interesting ones that I can find!
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Arts
KDL Vibes Open for Music Submissions
KDL's annual Vibes program is taking submissions from Sept. 2nd to Oct. 12th. The program lets local musicians enter their songs for a chance to be added to the free streaming catalog that supports West Michigan artists. Around 30 winners will be selected across genres from folk to funk. To celebrate, the Cascade branch will host a festival on Sept. 13th with live performances from past winners. | Website for submissions
Housing
Housing Planned for MLK Area
A $3.5 million project is set to bring a 16-unit mixed-use apartment building to the MLK neighborhood. The development would turn the abandoned Metro PCS on MLK St. and Sheldon Ave. into a 12,000-square-foot building with studio and 1-bedroom units targeting middle-income renters. The project is backed by a $200,000 city grant in addition to the land owner's private funding. | More details
Leisure
Free Admission at Blandford in September
Just like last year, Blandford Nature Center is free to visit all September long, thanks to a sponsorship from Meijer. Families can explore trails, spot wildlife, and enjoy fall without cost. | Learn how to participate
Talk Of The Town
📚 Vintage Book and Records Sale
On Friday, September 5th, the Black Dog Book and Records shop is hosting a weekend sidewalk sale.
🖌️ Rockford Annual Art Fair
This weekend, the annual Rockford Art in the Parking Lot Fair will take place at Rockford’s Footwear Depot. The event will run Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM, and will feature 90+ local and regional artists.
🎨 Art Takeover On Wealthy
Another “artsy” takeover is coming to Wealthy on Saturday. 10+ food trucks, 5+ live performances, and 90 art vendors are coming to Eastown’s Streetfair from 9 AM to 9 PM. The occasion is family-friendly and free to attend.
Business Openings:
Equilibrium Piercing - A new piercing shop is hosting its grand opening from 2 PM to 6 PM this Sunday.
The Dungeon Bar - After years of vacancy and a $1M+ renovation, The Villa/ The Dungeon Bar has re-opened to the public with a fancy speakeasy style.
Featured Event
📅 Saturday, September 6th
📍 Rosa Parks Circle
⏱️ 10 AM - 9 PM
The Excellence Exchange is a community celebration hosted by Shardaira Jones, founder of Rev Luxury Juice Bar, in honor of her first year in business.
The event features local vendors, grant giveaways, and special recognition of entrepreneurs making an impact in Grand Rapids. The event is family-friendly and free to attend.
What’s Happening?
Preview: Events —> Live Music
Wednesday, September 3rd
White Caps Vs. TinCaps | LMCU Ball Park | (Wed - Sun) Various times | Starting at $18
Greatest Generation Celebrations | Various locations | (Wed - Fri) Various times
Ada Covered Bridge Ground Breaking | Thornapple River Dr | 1 PM - 2:30 PM | Free
Blue Bridge Walk | Blue Bridge | 1 PM - 3 PM | $15
Heritage Hill Happy Hour | The commons | 5 PM | Free
Thursday, September 4th
Yoga | Treetops Collective | 5 PM - 6 PM | Free
Community Night | The GRAM | 5 PM - 8 PM | Free admission
Wag-tastic and Bark-tacular | Wilcox Park | 6 PM - 7 PM | Free
Cheers, Queers! Meet & Greet | Vivant Brewery | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free
ROOFTOP COMEDY NIGHT | Mertens Prime | 7:30 PM | $10
Friday, September 5th
Retro Car Show | Green Acres of Standale | 5 PM | Free
Girls’ Night Out | Warehouse One Antiques | 6 PM | ?
Roaring 20s Drag Party | Two James Spirits | 7:30 PM | $17.85
Live Music
Wednesday, September 3rd
Sunchaser Band | The Score | 6 PM | Free
Rebekah Rhys | Vander Mill | 6:30 PM | Free
Thursday, September 4th
Trillium Groove | Rosa Park Circle | 12 PM - 1:30 PM | Free
Funkle Jesse | The Score | 6 PM | Free
Kody Bryant | Rapid River Stillhouse | 6 PM | Free
The 6 Pak | Horrocks Market | 6 PM | Free
Smokey Robinson | Meijer Gardens | 7 PM | $154
Jason Aldean with special guests Nate Smith, RaeLynn & DeeJay Silver | Van Andel Arena | 7:30 PM | Starting at $46
Glitterfox, Hail Your Highness, Driving in the bike lane | Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM | $27
Friday, September 5th
Various Shows | The Score | Day and evening show | Free
Jake Stevens | The Blue Water Grill | 6 PM | Free
Jazz Night | City Flats Hotel | 7 PM | Free
The Skeems with The Burdens and Redbelly | Tip Top | 8 PM | $6.65
Jauz | Elevation | 8 PM | $28
Kyle Jennings | Rapid River Stillhouse | 8 PM | Free
DJ Gallixc | GLC Live | 9 PM | Starting at $25
HV & Ocean Motion | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM | Free
*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.
Outside The Plaza
Quick hits of news from cities around Grand Rapids
That’s All For Today…
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